Cola drinks reduce sperm count

If you want to make babies, make sure your man goes slow on the fizzy drinks. A Danish study has just found a link between poor sperm quality and excessive cola consumption.

The study found that men who consumed “high levels” of cola (more than 7 litres a week) had reduced sperm concentration and a lower total sperm count.

In terms of actual numbers, those men who consumed a litre of cola per day averaged 35 million sperm per millilitre, whereas those who drank less of the sugary soft drink pumped out 50 million sperm per millilitre (about a third more).

The study, which also looked at caffeine consumption, seemed to rule out the caffeine in cola as a cause for the reduction. Caffeine did impact on sperm quality but it was the cola which had the most significant effect.

Could it be lifestyle?

A link between excessive cola drinking and an unhealthy lifestyle could certainly be drawn. The study, which included 2554 men who were tested over a four-year period, found that those who drank lot of cola had unhealthier lifestyles, ate less fruit and vegetables, and gorged on more fast foods than those who did not.

And it's a known fact that lifestyle can play a big part in sperm health.

Improving sperm quality

Besides drinking less cola (or cutting it out completely at least while you're trying to conceive), here are some other ways to boost the health of the little swimmers.

Give up smoking - it reduces sperm quality and lifespan, and one study found it decreases sex drive

Watch his body temperature - avoid tight pants and undies, laptops on laps, saunas and spas while trying to conceive

Cut back on the booze - lots of research has found excessive drinking damages the sperm and may not enhance libido

Lose the fat - several studies have found that obese men tend to have poorer quality sperm than leaner men

Engage in sensible (but not excessive or overly vigorous) exercise - and preferably not too much bike-riding

Eat lots of fruit and vegetables - these are rich in sperm-boosting antioxidants